Chapter 201
Hannah Morse snapped her laptop shut.
She stretched her arms.
Empty soda cans littered the desk.
Marcus Lawrence stood up. "My treat."
Sophia Sullivan and Hannah nodded simultaneously.
The three exchanged a look of understanding.
They anticipated many future collaborations.
The upscale restaurant glowed with soft lighting.
A piano melody drifted through the air.
A server approached with a smile. "Do you have a reservation?"
Marcus showed his phone with the booking confirmation.
The server guided them to their table.
Sophia glanced around.
This place had an excellent reputation.
It was also the most expensive.
Hannah looked around curiously.
She pulled out her phone to take pictures.
Her lens focused on a crystal chandelier.
Marcus and Sophia watched her.
Hannah smiled sheepishly. "Just sending some pics to my dad."
She lowered her head and continued photographing.
Marcus's expression shifted slightly.
He asked softly, "What does your father do?"
Hannah paused.
Her reaction made the other two misunderstand.
Marcus was about to speak.
Hannah said, "My mom is a homemaker."
"My dad is a security guard in our village."
"He sometimes goes out to sea to fish."
Her eyes lit up. "Next time, I'll treat you to freshly caught seafood!"
Sophia and Marcus exchanged a glance.
The same image formed in both their minds.
A rural family.
Hardworking parents.
Who raised such a cheerful daughter.
Sophia nodded. "We'll definitely go."
Hannah happily shook her head.
Marcus handed her the menu. "Order anything."
Hannah's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
Marcus said, "Mm-hmm."
Hannah waved to the server. "Three steaks to start!"
She emphasized the word "start."
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
Appetizers arrived quickly.
Main courses followed soon after.
Hannah finished all the desserts herself.
Sophia and Marcus hadn't touched theirs.
Hannah's cheeks were stuffed. "Aren't you guys eating?"
Sophia said, "You have them."
Marcus added, "Order more if you want."
Hannah swallowed her cake. "What do your parents do?"
Sophia said, "My dad is a teacher. My mom is a writer."
Hannah exclaimed, "That's amazing!"
She turned to Marcus.
Marcus said, "Civil servants."
Hannah praised them repeatedly.
Marcus stood to pay the bill.
The three were about to leave.
They ran into Shane Holloway's group.
Ashley Lowell and Fiona Valentine were there.
Jude Granger trailed behind them.
Shane grinned. "Professor Watson's precious students?"
The three ignored him.
Shane's smile stiffened. "Didn't Professor Watson treat you to a meal?"
"Our funding is very generous."
He deliberately raised his voice.
Jude tugged his sleeve.
Shane shook him off. "Don't touch me, you country bumpkin!"
Jude lowered his head.
Ashley spoke calmly. "That's enough."
Fiona echoed, "Caleb said we should maintain harmony."
Shane snorted.
He turned to Sophia. "Want to join our team?"
Sophia smirked. "Not worthy."
Shane raised an eyebrow smugly.
Sophia said, "Your team isn't worthy."
Shane's face darkened.
Sophia added, "What future does a team that spends its funding on food and drinks have?"
Marcus chimed in, "Isn't that against regulations?"
Hannah raised her phone. "Say that again about who's reimbursing this?"